Obee's Putting Improvement Thread

[bladehunter]

Yes. My yips seem like arms / shoulders stop mid stroke. When that happens, I will either barely hit the ball with the heel leading and miss right and short or flip my hands to save it and go long left. Inside a foot I am still on line enough to make it almost always when this happens unless left short. In the 18 inch to 3.5 foot range, if this happens, it will not come close to hitting the hole. This is not a conscious thing, and I cannot replicate it when practice putting. I cannot convince my brain I am practicing when I am on the course. This is not every putt, but probably 3 to 6 per round when it is bad. This also puts pressure on my lag putting, sand play and chipping which are all pretty good.

 

If you watched it when happening, you reaction would be disgust, followed by pity. My normal playing parters do not even make fun of it, since it is so sad. I am the reason all putts get putted out in our games. My index reflects my putting, so the games are fair. Current index is 4.5, trending 4.2, But that is because I now have a couple of rounds under 30 putts and a couple at 30 putts in my last 20.

 

So you are describing myself 3 years ago. I had the yipps for 5+ years. I won a tournament (flighted) by shooting 80 with 41 putts. On short puts my right arm felt like it was convulsing, I would try to use my "big" muscles to hit a 3' putt. My mind would tell me it's way too hard of a swing, so I'd decelerate and at the last minute my brain says "oh crap it's gonna be short" then I fire my right hand at it. I had numerous 3' straight putts where I missed the hole by more than a foot on the left side (or left them short). I use to joke that I had a form of Parkinson that only appears when I'm close than 6' to the hole. One guy in my group responded back with "well do you putt better in the morning."

 

Here are all the putting styles I tried over that 5-10 year span none of which worked for me.

overlap grip, 10 finger grip, double overlap, left hand low, claw, saw, pencil, belly putter (kind of worked but now illegal), 1 handed putting, eyes closed, looking at hole. Throw in 1-2 different putters and styles per year on top of that. Many things seemed to work for varying periods of time some seemed to work for 8-9 holes, and some worked for 2-3 months. But the spasms would always come back.

 

Here is the only thing I've done that has seemed to help me get over it (although I feel like a person in rehab, and I'll never truly be over the yipps). It's actually 2 things the first didn't really help my yipps.

1) I noticed when putting looking at the hole my distance control was remarkably better. So now any time I'm more than 6' from the hole I putt looking at the hole. It makes my next putt a lot shorter (over 1000's of lag putts I recorded I was about 40% closer by looking at the hole).

2) This is the big one for the yipps. I switched to a very heavy putter (660+ grams). This basically forces me to use my big muscles and take my arms out of the stroke. I have been using a CURE putter for the last 3 years with the weight damn near maxed out on it. I also noticed it has the added benefit of a higher MOI, so my issue with not hitting the center of the club face while looking at the hole has made my lag putting even better. It took me 2-3 months to get use to the weight, but *knock on wood* I have not felt that "yippy" spasm type feeling in a single putt since getting that putter. I use to have that feeling 4-5 times a round. It's kind of ironic that it's named CURE because so far it has cured my yipps.

 

I don't know if it will work for you but I was able to find a used one on second swing for $80. I'm not magically the best putter in the world now. But because that $80 got rid of that terrible spastic convulsion feeling that is the 1 club in my bag that has a permanent spot (assuming that feeling never returns). I don't really give a damn what any putter fitting will ever tell me, that putter can only be pulled from my bag if that yippy feeling returns, other than that you can pull it from my cold dead hands.

 

*Even typing this conversation about the yipps I feel my right hand trembling as if just typing the response makes me want to start crying. This is really a terrible golf disease that for those that haven't ever dealt with it will never truly understand.

My lord.

 

I thought I was the only one who’s done that.

 

Would have won C flight in a flighted 2 day tournament early this summer with a 38 putt round. But I just couldn’t. I backhanded a couple on 16-18 to make it a 41 putt round. and let the 77 year old I was battling have it. True story. Would have been ashamed of myself for winning that flight. Afterall. I got in hat flight on the first day with a 42 putt 82. Yes. I spent 2 more shots on the greens than all others combined.

 

 

Sunday I shot 71 and only hit 7 greens. Most 1 putts I can ever recall. When I get one end duct taped on something else falls off.

[irvtrain]

Have any of you received putting instruction and how well did it go? I'm thinking a set of eyes and proper technique would be helpful.

[Obee]

Have any of you received putting instruction and how well did it go? I'm thinking a set of eyes and proper technique would be helpful.

 

I think I probably took one structured putting lesson years ago. I was not ready for it. You have to hit rock bottom to truly internalize a putting lesson. Putting is just such a damn simple thing. Anybody with an ounce of athletic ability tends to think "I don't need no stinking putting lesson!" LOL

[ebrasmus21]

Have any of you received putting instruction and how well did it go? I'm thinking a set of eyes and proper technique would be helpful.

 

I think I probably took one structured putting lesson years ago. I was not ready for it. You have to hit rock bottom to truly internalize a putting lesson. Putting is just such a damn simple thing. Anybody with an ounce of athletic ability tends to think "I don't need no stinking putting lesson!" LOL

 

I have a putting lesson tomorrow.

[Obee]

Have any of you received putting instruction and how well did it go? I'm thinking a set of eyes and proper technique would be helpful.

 

I think I probably took one structured putting lesson years ago. I was not ready for it. You have to hit rock bottom to truly internalize a putting lesson. Putting is just such a damn simple thing. Anybody with an ounce of athletic ability tends to think "I don't need no stinking putting lesson!" LOL

 

I have a putting lesson tomorrow.

 

Good for you! :-)

 

My post wasn't that putting lessons are bad, it's that most people won't take them because they figure they can "figure it out on their own."

 

Now that I've "fixed" my putting, I would happily give lessons to anyone wanting them, so it's been a big switch for me. I used to be a "putting is completely individual" guy, but I've changed that. I think there are some fundamentals that should be adhered to, but they are mostly based upon the action of the ball (rolling it end over end the majority of the time), not any specific mechanics.

[ebrasmus21]

Have any of you received putting instruction and how well did it go? I'm thinking a set of eyes and proper technique would be helpful.

 

I think I probably took one structured putting lesson years ago. I was not ready for it. You have to hit rock bottom to truly internalize a putting lesson. Putting is just such a damn simple thing. Anybody with an ounce of athletic ability tends to think "I don't need no stinking putting lesson!" LOL

 

I have a putting lesson tomorrow.

 

Good for you! :-)

 

My post wasn't that putting lessons are bad, it's that most people won't take them because they figure they can "figure it out on their own."

 

Now that I've "fixed" my putting, I would happily give lessons to anyone wanting them, so it's been a big switch for me. I used to be a "putting is completely individual" guy, but I've changed that. I think there are some fundamentals that should be adhered to, but they are mostly based upon the action of the ball (rolling it end over end the majority of the time), not any specific mechanics.

 

It's all good. The way I look at it is I'm averaging right around 33 putts per round - if I can improve that number it'll go a long way towards my goal of getting to scratch.

 

2018 being the first year I've ever sought out instruction of any kind I wanted to try a lesson or two on putting.

[blehnhard]

Best round of year. Caveat, course has set up "winter tees " so probably about 5500 yds. Normal is 6100. 6 under 66. Wedge game great. 17 gir. 6 birds, 5 inside 5' and 1 20'. Total length of 1st putts made = 36'. Missed 2 more birds of 5'.

 

[Obee]

Love it, Bruce!!!

[wmblake2000]

I was never a decent putter. I switched to the pencil grip maybe 3 months ago, mainly because I thought it let me setup more square with my shoulders. One of the consequences is that it took my hands out of the stroke. Now my hands, forearms, shoulders are very un- tensed.

Plus I started using a line on the ball.

 

The result is I am starting putts on my intended line really well, and now speed is getting more consistent.

 

So, from the weakest part now strongest part (except I am not great at reading greens). Pretty remarkable to be honest. I am threatening the hole on almost every putt. The ball is rolling really well.

 

The one area for more focus: 4 footers under pressure.

[OffTheDole]

So, from the weakest part now strongest part (except I am not great at reading greens)

 

AimPoint Express will fix you right up!

 

I just spent an hour on the practice green using the pencil grip and I’m sold. I have been using the claw for years and the pencil grip seems to be giving me a lot more control of speed than the standard claw grip.

[Dave D]

First tournament round with the pencil grip and shot level with 5 birdies, holed some good putts in the mid range 4-15 feet that I normally struggle with. short putts were solid. had a 2 3 putts which were more mental errors I would say, very undulating links greens but they were very slow, didn't trust myself to hit it hard enough on 2 long downhill breakers and left myself tough 6 foot downhill sliders both times.

 

Had 3 other lag putts from 40-60 feet that were all within 2 feet.

 

Excited for the future with the pencil grip.

[ebrasmus21]

Wanted to make a quick note on something I'm trying vs what I've done most of my golfing life.

 

Normally I read the green, pick a line and speed, line up the line on my golf ball and address the ball. I try to get locked in, stay very still, make the perfect stroke on the perfect line -- all that stuff. Well, my putting is mediocre at best. Last few times I played/practiced I've tried to use the Faxon method of being more athletic and just reacting to the putt. I've heard Faxon us the analogy of a basketball player coming off a screen and shooting a jumper - its just an athletic reaction to a situation.

 

Anyways, this is proving quite interesting for me. I'm not getting "locked in" I'm not lining up the ball at all and I'm hardly lining up my putter face. It's only been a few rounds but the results have been promising. Feels quite natural to me and I think it also frees up my putting stroke. If anyone else does something similar please share.

[wmblake2000]

So, from the weakest part now strongest part (except I am not great at reading greens)

 

AimPoint Express will fix you right up!

 

I just spent an hour on the practice green using the pencil grip and I’m sold. I have been using the claw for years and the pencil grip seems to be giving me a lot more control of speed than the standard claw grip.

 

Ha! I’m don’t really know the difference between pencil and claw. However I started to hold it works. I switched because it helps me get shoulders square at address and then I found all kinds of benefits - mainly it took hands out of stroke and I can keep hands and arms very relaxed, creating a very good roll on most putts.

 

I’ll do an aimpoint express thing early next year. Good suggestion, thx.

[Matt J]

Love this thread! Obee, I'm stoked to read of your improvements on the putting green. I took up a similar project about 2 years ago and have been amazed at what an interesting journey it has been. A couple of nights ago I sat down and write a little list that I called my putting absolutes.... I'd have to go back and pull it up to remember all of them (11 or 12 maybe) but a few of my favs...

 

High hands promote a pull, low a push

 

CAN'T watch the putter head in the backswing

 

Distance is KING on long putts

 

Softest grip possible

 

Hover a moment at address

 

A pause at the top will let the face close

 

Hit the ball with your hands slightly in front of the ball (same as full swing)

 

That kind of stuff. I think I'm going to print a copy and put it in my bag to read before I tee off.

[Yrrdead]

Wanted to make a quick note on something I'm trying vs what I've done most of my golfing life.

 

Normally I read the green, pick a line and speed, line up the line on my golf ball and address the ball. I try to get locked in, stay very still, make the perfect stroke on the perfect line -- all that stuff. Well, my putting is mediocre at best. Last few times I played/practiced I've tried to use the Faxon method of being more athletic and just reacting to the putt. I've heard Faxon us the analogy of a basketball player coming off a screen and shooting a jumper - its just an athletic reaction to a situation.

 

Anyways, this is proving quite interesting for me. I'm not getting "locked in" I'm not lining up the ball at all and I'm hardly lining up my putter face. It's only been a few rounds but the results have been promising. Feels quite natural to me and I think it also frees up my putting stroke. If anyone else does something similar please share.

 

I do this for long lag putts. No practice swings, I go through my normal read routine, but just step up to ball and roll it.

[ebrasmus21]

Wanted to make a quick note on something I'm trying vs what I've done most of my golfing life.

 

Normally I read the green, pick a line and speed, line up the line on my golf ball and address the ball. I try to get locked in, stay very still, make the perfect stroke on the perfect line -- all that stuff. Well, my putting is mediocre at best. Last few times I played/practiced I've tried to use the Faxon method of being more athletic and just reacting to the putt. I've heard Faxon us the analogy of a basketball player coming off a screen and shooting a jumper - its just an athletic reaction to a situation.

 

Anyways, this is proving quite interesting for me. I'm not getting "locked in" I'm not lining up the ball at all and I'm hardly lining up my putter face. It's only been a few rounds but the results have been promising. Feels quite natural to me and I think it also frees up my putting stroke. If anyone else does something similar please share.

 

I do this for long lag putts. No practice swings, I go through my normal read routine, but just step up to ball and roll it.

 

It seems to be helping me with speed quite a bit. My lag putting feels good at the moment but it's even helping me on putts of a shorter distance. I'm going to keep at it for a while to see if it's gamable long-term but yesterday I had a president's cup match and although I didn't make a ton of putts I don't think I've ever burned as many edges in one round. Put it another way - on putts of 20' and in I gave every single putt a chance to go in with several lipping out. It's been a while since doing that with my old conventional style.

[Dave D]

Love this thread! Obee, I'm stoked to read of your improvements on the putting green. I took up a similar project about 2 years ago and have been amazed at what an interesting journey it has been. A couple of nights ago I sat down and write a little list that I called my putting absolutes.... I'd have to go back and pull it up to remember all of them (11 or 12 maybe) but a few of my favs...

 

High hands promote a pull, low a push

 

CAN'T watch the putter head in the backswing

 

Distance is KING on long putts

 

Softest grip possible

 

Hover a moment at address

 

A pause at the top will let the face close

 

Hit the ball with your hands slightly in front of the ball (same as full swing)

 

That kind of stuff. I think I'm going to print a copy and put it in my bag to read before I tee off.

 

I have settled into using the stricker 3 bounces as my trigger, I found it hard at first with the pencil to feel the flow of my routine and start the stroke without being too jerky, I've found these little taps, feels almost more of a little vibration helps start things off smoothly. I found it also kept my mind focused on my routine rather than worrying about the outcome, think of counting 1,2,3 with each tap got my mind focused on routine rather than worrying about missing etc

[wmblake2000]

One thing I am going to try with longer putts... with short pitch shots I laser the flag - as a result I have a pretty good idea of how to judge distance on those little shots as short as 15-20 yards.

 

A guy I played with a few yrs ago stepped off every putt of any length. He was good at getting it done quickly. But even thought there is variation in slope and green speed, I think it’s worth giving a serious try. Will update in a month or so.

[Matt J]

Hey Dave, I'll try the 3 bounces. The hover isn't a trigger for me, it is to accomplish hitting the ball higher. My miss is low on the ball, high on the putter face. I must deloft because it doesn't jump, but I occasionally scrub the putting surface.

 

Anyone who is really fascinated by the putting stroke and putter should listen to Mark Innelman's podcast interviewing Bruce Rearick is amazing. Google it. Best hour of putting info I've ever heard. I feel like I should be on Bruce's payroll. He's so good I can't help myself. He fits Mark over the phone!

[Dave D]

One thing I am going to try with longer putts... with short pitch shots I laser the flag - as a result I have a pretty good idea of how to judge distance on those little shots as short as 15-20 yards.

 

A guy I played with a few yrs ago stepped off every putt of any length. He was good at getting it done quickly. But even thought there is variation in slope and green speed, I think it’s worth giving a serious try. Will update in a month or so.

 

my foursomes partner does this with putts and chips, he is very mechanically minded and has set lengths of stroke for set distances for both chipping and pitching. he is generally a very good lag putter.

 

however I don't really like this approach as it doesn't take into consideration all the nuances of slope and green speed and takes away the feel and creativity for the shot, especially chipping where there are more variables like land angle and spin. With putting there are also putts where sometimes you die it to the hole and others you hit firmer. I guess he adjusts but not sure how you can remember all the different putting distances.

[OffTheDole]

I have settled into using the stricker 3 bounces as my trigger, I found it hard at first with the pencil to feel the flow of my routine and start the stroke without being too jerky, I've found these little taps, feels almost more of a little vibration helps start things off smoothly. I found it also kept my mind focused on my routine rather than worrying about the outcome, think of counting 1,2,3 with each tap got my mind focused on routine rather than worrying about missing etc

 

I love it. Thanks for the Stricker tip. I tried that in the past and got away from it because I never quite got it into my routine.

[DeeBee30]

Awesome thread - I wish I'd found it before the Chicago season turned to crap. So many constructive posts and humble contributors...very unlike many of the other threads I've seen. I've picked up some great tips and wanted to share a few thoughts with the hopes of someone finding a nugget somewhere in here. FYI, as a 10.x index, I average 31.9 putts and 1.8 3-putts per round - working hard to get sub-30 and <1 on those stats.

 

1. Obee, thanks for sharing your spreadsheet - have you considered tracking first and last putt length as individual stats? I track all putt lengths and it gives me good insight. 1st putt length tells me how well I'm hitting irons or chips/pitches and how many lags I hit, 2nd putt tells me how well I'm managing my speed control on lags and how effective I am inside 10 feet or so. If there's a 3rd (ugh), it's either because of a terrible lag or a lapse on a short putt.

 

2. For distance control, it's been extremely helpful for me to spend 10-15 minutes on the practice green working on reference putts from 4 different backswing lengths: (1) halfway between my feet, (2) inside edge of back foot, (3) outside edge of back foot) and (4) 1 foot-width (~4") past back foot. I hit these on a flat part of the practice green, or I average them going up & down a slight incline. On an average speed green here, that usually gives me backswing lengths for 4, 8, 10 and 12 paces (my relaxed pace is about 39"). If a putt is longer than about 12 paces, I'll add to my backswing an approximate length to equal that distance (i.e. 30 paces = three 10 pace backswing lengths). To account for slope, I determine what % to add or subtract from those reference distances when putting up/down an approximate 1- and 2-degree slope (i.e. 1* up/downhill typically equals 25%, and 2* is about 50%). Then I work on breaks and side slopes. I note all these numbers on my scorecard and reference them throughout the round after I quickly step off putts. It seems like a lot, but it doesn't take that long, gives me a purposeful putting warmup, and really helps me focus more on the line of a putt vs. how hard I need to hit it.

 

3. I also track putt direction (break/slope) and where I miss (low/high/push/pull) to help me find any trends I need to work on with green reading or putter face control - haven't found a great way to collate the data in my sheet, but working on it.

 

4. I found a great series of putting drills that I've incorporated into my weekly practice routine - like many of the drills shared by others here, trying to close out a drill helps simulate on-course pressure.

 

*EDIT* Can't get this screenshot to display...will work on that

 

 

5. I've found I'm a handsy player (my wife agrees), so I've switched to mid-sized grips on my regular clubs and an oversized grip on my putter. It has helped me keep my hands more still and avoid shutting/fanning the face through impact when I feel pressure. Side note: I recently played rentals and got a putter with a Superstroke grip. I really liked it and felt even more quiet with my hands. I'm practicing with one over the winter to see if it'll move to my gamer in the Spring.

 

Sorry for the long post - I guess I'm a bit excited to jump into the putting discussion.

[DeeBee30]

One thing I am going to try with longer putts... with short pitch shots I laser the flag - as a result I have a pretty good idea of how to judge distance on those little shots as short as 15-20 yards.

 

A guy I played with a few yrs ago stepped off every putt of any length. He was good at getting it done quickly. But even thought there is variation in slope and green speed, I think it’s worth giving a serious try. Will update in a month or so.

 

my foursomes partner does this with putts and chips, he is very mechanically minded and has set lengths of stroke for set distances for both chipping and pitching. he is generally a very good lag putter.

 

however I don't really like this approach as it doesn't take into consideration all the nuances of slope and green speed and takes away the feel and creativity for the shot, especially chipping where there are more variables like land angle and spin. With putting there are also putts where sometimes you die it to the hole and others you hit firmer. I guess he adjusts but not sure how you can remember all the different putting distances.

 

Dave - if you have a chance, check out #2 in my last (lengthy) post. I'm also more mechanical when it comes to anything less than a full shot (i.e., I also use the Pelz distance wedge method for 40-100 yd shots), and I've found that by warming up on a practice green, using this mechanical method really helps me dial in distances. As long as the practice green is rolling the same as the course greens (which I always ask), it's pretty reliable. The only times I've found it to need on-course tweaking is when the condition of the green changes during the round (like drying out from the morning dew as it warms up). In that case, I know to adjust as the round progresses...sometimes hurts my precision, but it's still pretty trustworthy.

 

BTW, it also helps my chipping. I have 9 different reference chips with each of my 4 wedges (as well as my 4-9 irons) and know how far they carry and roll out on an *average* flattish green. By hitting some reference ships on the practice green, I can determine how much to alter those distances on that day to account for green firmness, speed and up/down slope. Again, pretty reliable.

 

As I said previously, it may seem like a lot at first, but it's easy to do this warmup in less than 20 minutes. This definitely isn't for someone who plays better by using feel & touch, but this is what works for me because it gives me some factual reference points to use so I can focus on just executing a certain shot. Distance then just takes care of itself. YMMV, of course.

[Barfolomew]

Have any of you received putting instruction and how well did it go? I'm thinking a set of eyes and proper technique would be helpful.

 

I think I probably took one structured putting lesson years ago. I was not ready for it. You have to hit rock bottom to truly internalize a putting lesson. Putting is just such a damn simple thing. Anybody with an ounce of athletic ability tends to think "I don't need no stinking putting lesson!" LOL

 

I have a putting lesson tomorrow.

 

Good for you! :-)

 

My post wasn't that putting lessons are bad, it's that most people won't take them because they figure they can "figure it out on their own."

 

Now that I've "fixed" my putting, I would happily give lessons to anyone wanting them, so it's been a big switch for me. I used to be a "putting is completely individual" guy, but I've changed that. I think there are some fundamentals that should be adhered to, but they are mostly based upon the action of the ball (rolling it end over end the majority of the time), not any specific mechanics.

 

I'd agree there are fundamentals to adhere mentally and physically to so that you can repeat it or "own it" as I'd say...... but I dont care how you get there or as you say not any specific mechanics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[blehnhard]

While my putting has cooled down recently (over the honeymoon I guess), I am still very pleased with the great overall improvement that the "claw" (I think I use the "pencil" version - think Justin Rose) and the counterweighted grip have made. I have mishit some putts a little (right shoulder moving out before impact and opening the face) and have lost a little "trust" in committing to my line, the quality of my misses in much better than before. No more horrible putts, especially the short ones (4' and in) where I could hit putts that never had a chance.

 

It is a change I have made for good and don't ever see myself going back to conventional reverse overlap.

 

Did have a fairly good day on the greens yesterday - made one "impossible" 25' putt that broke about 7' for par. 6 birdies total - 1 2 putt from 12', 1 15', 1 from 7', 2 from 4', and a tap in on 18. 2 bogeys for 4 under 68. Not really as good as it sounds as the have set up "winter tees" on our course so very few shots other than wedges to the green. Greens are still good, rolling between 11 and 12 which is tough because a lot of greens have some pretty severe slopes. They have set up pretty tough pins (both to shoot at and to putt) to sorta offset the shorter length.

 

No golf here for awhile as weather is turning colder (I don't go out unless upper 40's and no wind) and T Day week is out. Will be going to Pinehurst with 5 golf buddies for 4 days of golf Nov 28 - Dec 2.

[Pepe8714]

I like to putt everything between a foot and 18" past the hole. I find this is a great balance between 'feel' and effective cup size. All putts will have a proper pace and consistent reaction as the ball looses speed / approaches the cup.

 

Forgot to mention - pure contact is key. THE most important part, bar none. Pure contact leads to correct speed which leads to holed putts. The body/brain knows what to do. Get out of its way.

[bladehunter]

Struggle continues folks. Head down push ahead I guess.

 

I went 7 over on the back 9 including 2 four-putts ( one on a par 5 hit in 2 ?) yesterday to shoot 74. Had the front 9 of dreams. And literally puked the bed on 11. And couldn’t feel my hands from then on out with putter. Yet don’t feel like full swing was effected one ounce.

 

No point to this post except to say ... keep working. There is no easy fix.

[finleysg]

That reminds me of a friend who, having just lipped out his third putt, looked up in disgust and asked, "Four putt! Who four putts?". A wise guy in the group responded, "Not you.... yet".

[Swisstrader98]

Have any of you received putting instruction and how well did it go? I'm thinking a set of eyes and proper technique would be helpful.

 

I once took a putting lesson from Dave Stockton and while I like Dave a lot, the lesson wasn’t what I was hoping for. Started off by telling me he can’t help me because I putt cross handed. Then the only real tip he gave me was don’t make a practice stroke which basically did nothing for me.

 

Instead of a putting lesson, I would strongly suggest a putter fitting. I did the Sam lab thing and a custom Edel fitting and both dramatically changed my putting for the better and tough to argue with the data and precision that comes out of the process.

[Yuck]

Gonna have to give armlock a try. Several 40 putt rounds in a row. Playing partners thought I was having a seizure or stroke as I froze over a 30 inch putt for a spell before I missed the hole nearly a foot left. I could not even figure out how to grip the club. Conventional, cross-hand, claw all felt like I had at least 14 fingers.